What Is Niacinamide and Why Is Everyone Adding It to Their Skin Care Routine

When it comes to the beauty world, there is always a new buzzy ingredient getting tons of attention. While you may want to see what all the hype is about, it’s always smart to make sure the ingredient lines up with your skin care concerns. That’s probably the reason why niacinamide is a hot commodity in skin care. Known for its amazing benefits in regards to reducing the visible signs of skin aging and other skin care woes, it’s easy to see why this ingredient has become so desirable. If this is your first time hearing about niacinamide, we can help fill you in. Below, we’re spilling all the deets on what niacinamide is, various niacinamide benefits, and tips on how to add this hyped ingredient to your skin care routine via a nicanamide serum or moisturizer. Skin care lovers, this one is for you!

WHAT IS NIACINAMIDE FOR SKIN?

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), niacinamide, which is also known as nicotinamide, is one of two major forms of niacin (vitamin B3). While you may be confused by the concept of niacin vs. niacinamide, it’s not too complicated. Per the NCBI, niacin is the form of vitamin B3 that helps turn the food you eat into energy, while niacinamide is a potent antioxidant used in skin care. The NCBI shares that niacinamide’s potent antioxidant properties help to target the visible appearance of skin aging. In fact, the Mayo Clinic reveals that niacinamide is a common ingredient in anti-wrinkle creams. Now that you know what niacinamide is, why not explore more of the amazing skin care benefits it has to offer?

HOW DOES NIACINAMIDE BENEFIT YOUR SKIN

When it comes to skin care, some of the most common concerns are the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne, and aging skin. Incorporating products formulated with niacinamide into your skin care routine can help the appearance of these skin care concerns with ease. The NCBI shares that niacinamide can help improve the surface of the skin and smooth the look of wrinkles. In fact, the NCBI also shares that using niacinamide topically on the skin can increase the production of ceramides (the lipids that maintain the skin’s protective barrier), which may contribute to its amazing benefits for those with visible wrinkles and fine lines, as well as maintaining hydration in the skin. This is a big reason why you may see niacinamide in various skin care products.

According to the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, researchers tapped 50 Caucasian women all between the ages of 40 and 60 to try a moisturizer formulated with five-percent niacinamide on one half of their face, using a placebo moisturizer on the other half. The results showed that the side of their face that received the niacinamide moisturizer had significant improvements with the look of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, overall texture, and red blotchiness compared to the placebo side. Further, a study from the NCBI revealed that research shows using niacinamide topically can also help to significantly reduce the appearance of acne. Niacinamide also comes in handy if you’re battling skin discoloration such as skin yellowing (sallowness).

HOW TO INCORPORATE NIACINAMIDE IN YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Looking to take your skin care routine to the next level and think niacinamide could be just the thing? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn about two ways you can reap niacinamide’s benefits in your skin care routine.

1. USE A MOISTURIZER WITH NIACINAMIDE

A great way to incorporate niacinamide into your skin care routine is with the help of a moisturizer formulated with the ingredient. Try a moisturizer created to firm and brighten your skin’s appearance, like the L’Oréal Paris Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer Fragrance-Free, which will help keep your skin soft, supple, and plumped with hydration.

For the daytime, you can use a moisturizer with SPF that’s also formulated with niacinamide. Our pick? The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30. Apply the moisturizer as directed, and skin will feel smoothed, softer, and refreshed.

2. TRY A SERUM with NIACINAMIDE

Niacinamide serums are one of our absolute favorite ways to introduce this ingredient to the skin’s surface. The reason being, serums are known to be potent products that can help reveal real benefits. Try smoothing on a serum formulated with niacinamide before your moisturizer of choice. Look for a serum that targets dark spots.

Now that you know all about the wonders of niacinamide, why not learn about another skin care ingredient worthy of discussion? Next, check out our article, What Can Vitamin E Oil Do for Your Skin?